If you’ve never had any problems, you probably don’t think much about your hearing. You enjoy talking with your friends and family, you listen to music, you watch (and listen to) television…all without really giving much thought to how our lives would be different if we could not hear well. However, millions of Americans do have problems with their hearing, whether it is just a slight hearing impairment or total hearing loss. How can you make sure you’re taking precautions to protect your hearing? And what are your options if you’re one of the many who is having hearing issues? Continue reading for some expert advice from those in the industry who know best—audiologists.
Seeing an Audiologist
When should the average person see an audiologist? Sandra Miller of Associated Hearing suggests that if hearing loss is your main concern (and if you have no symptoms earlier), a baseline hearing test should be done at age 50. Roy Christensen of Christensen Audiology adds that after the first test at 50, if everything turns out normal, you should again have a hearing test at 60 and then every five years after that as hearing loss is more and more common as you age.
Warning Signs
Of course, a visit to the audiologist before the age of 50 is necessary if you have any warning signs of hearing loss. “Patients with hearing loss often report that people seem to mumble,” states Sandra. “They have trouble with women’s or children’s voices and are having a difficult time hearing when in an environment with background noise. Often patients with hearing loss also need the volume on the television louder and may report tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Hearing loss is often gradual, worsening over several years. Therefore, people often wait longer than they should to have their hearing evaluated.
What Can Be Done
“A hearing evaluation discovers if there is a problem and the extent of it,” Roy explains. “We then determine if there is a medical problem that needs to be addressed or if the patient simply needs a hearing aid. If there is a medical issue that is treatable with drug therapy or surgeries, we then refer them to a medical professional who can handle that.” Sandra adds, “There are numerous solutions depending on how much hearing loss a patient has and their perceived difficulty in different environments. It could be as simple as discussing some simple communication strategies to fitting them with a hearing device to help facilitate optimum communication to meet all of their listening needs.”
“Technology in hearing devices changes almost as fast as changes in computer technology,” Sandra goes on to say. “Hearing devices now have BlueTooth Wireless capabilities in order to give the patient true balanced hearing and the capability to connect to their cell phone, home phone or TV with a simple push of a button.” Roy adds, “All hearing aids now are digital and are beginning to develop noise control and anti-feedback systems. Most manufacturers will say their hearing device is the best, so you should find an audiologist you trust to help you sort through what technology will work best for you.”
Choosing an Audiologist
Like any medical professional, you should choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust when it comes to finding the right audiologist for you. “Our consultations carry no charge to the patient, and quality follow-up care is our priority,” says Sandra. “A large part of our business is through patient referral. We value the fact that our patients trust us enough to send their friends and family in for evaluation. Your primary care physician may also be able to recommend an audiologist to you.” Roy suggests, “Ask people who already have an audiologist or hearing aids and find out if they’re happy with who they see.”
Your hearing is a very important part of your life. It’s vital that you take care of it and that you see an audiologist immediately if you have any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you’ve reached the age of 50 and have not had a baseline hearing test.